Home Is Where The Heart Is

It is estimated that over the next six months, there could be up to 30 million people working from home in the UK, up 10 million more than was predicted for this year, according to an IWG Global Workplace survey. Further afield, there is anticipated to be close to 100 million people in Europe confined to their homes as the crisis continues. As such, this move to working-from-home, has meant the focus on wellness and interior design has never been more important.

We take a look at how London developers have mastered the art of mindful, well-designed interiors that are coincidentally becoming an ideal working-from-home environment.

Wellness-centric interiors create a sense of calm and comfort away from the stress and excitement of London at Mayfair Park Residences by developers Clivedale London

Dorchester Collection's first ever branded residences - a boutique development of 24 properties  in the heart of Mayfair, serviced by the adjacent 45 Park Lane.

Wellness-centric interiors are particularly prominent within the design of the show townhouse where the Parisian duo, Jouin Manku, have strived to create a sense of calm and comfort away from the stress and excitement of London. Steering clear of once popular harsh lines and sharp edges of post-modern minimalist designs, in favour of round, sensual furnishings and curved smooth shapes the designers have achieved a calming ambience that is softer on the eye. Features such as oval marble-clad bathtubs, curved open hearths and cocoon-like headboards in the apartments' bathrooms and bedrooms work to create a consoling and comforting atmosphere in the middle of Central London.

Residents wellness facilities comprise a 10,000 sq ft state of the art Health Club and spa staffed and fully managed by Dorchester Collection, the Health Club was designed as an extension of the home, as a place to relax and will be equipped with a state-of-the-art gym, 20m swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools and personal training rooms.

It's location, overlooking Hyde Park, Central London's largest park, has hugely influenced Jouin Manku's design - who endeavoured to create a strong sense of place throughout the property, by including features such as a hand-painted porcelain chandelier comprising 1,000 leaves which adorns the residential lobby - an obvious nod to the outdoors.

Prices start from £4.25million www.mayfairparkresidences.com

The ultimate working from home space at Chelsea Barracks, developed by Qatari Diar Europe

Residents began moving into the first three phases of Chelsea Barracks last year, which comprises a collection of residences, penthouses, townhouses, a mews house, which currently stands at 80% sold.

Phases I, II and III includes an unparalleled array of private health and wellness amenities including a 12,400 sq ft state-of-the-art health club and spa, business suites, lounges and cinema. Also on-site is a restaurant, a gallery space and chapel.

For those working from home, the residences can accommodate home offices (shown above). The show apartment office, designed by Elicyon, follows a colour pallet that emulated the neighbouring Chelsea Pensioner's navy undress uniform with accents of gold and blackened bronze - which, to an otherwise crisp and cool room, creates a relaxed and opulent working environment.

For extra space, or for meetings that you don't want to be at home for, the business suite in The Garrison Club is available for hire to residents and comprises 2 x 12-seater board rooms and a lounge area with concierge.

The entire Garrison Club (the health and wellness amenities) has touches of Art Deco elegance that creates a space to revitalise the body and encourage a positive and relaxed state of mind.

Green space is paramount for residents' wellbeing, and at a time like this, fresh air is encouraged. Residents at Chelsea Barracks will be able to take advantage of five-acres of green space (40% of the total site) in the form of seven modern garden squares, designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman. Three of the seven squares are complete and already open to the public.

Prices start from £5.25m for a two-bed residence, and £38m for a townhouse www.chelseabarracks.com

Charu Gandhi, Founder & Director, Elicyon comments:

Working from home can be a very enjoyable and productive experience if supported by a welldesigned interior.

Good lighting is key; we like to design different mood settings, from functional working lighting which is brighter and directional, to softer settings such as ending the day with reading on the sofa. Mixing ceiling lighting with desk, floor and table lamps is important for creating an atmosphere. Lighting shelves and artwork also adds depth to the room and can create a focal point both to compliment, or in absence of a view. In smaller rooms in particular, artwork or a sculpture or bust located on a plinth or within the line of sight can draw the eye away from the desk and screen.